ROCK RUNNER 2020 of Support and of Kindness

Volume 25 RockThe magazine of the RathkealeRunner Old Boys’ Association December 2020 Editorial GRANT HARPER (1967-71)

‘Change is in the Air’ New Zealanders, living at the ROBA Executive & farthest corner of the world, have So often over the years, change benefitted from being a small, Regional Committee has shaped our thoughts, our isolated island state. However, Representatives experiences, the paths we take the year’s challenges have been John Taylor Patron and the destinations we arrive at. real, and adaptability, resilience, Occasionally, we struggle with selflessness and fortitude have often Grant Harper President change but at other times it is a been needed to be to the fore. We Edward Cox Vice President/ welcome relief from the mundane, have repeatedly been referred to Secretary the over-familiar and the downright as a team of five million this year Wellington tedious. The rate of change over the and as a team, irrespective of our past one hundred years has, at times, Scott Andrew Treasurer political persuasion, most of us have Wairarapa been cataclysmic and disorientating. been proud of the manner in which It has reshaped both family life and we have lived alongside Covid Blair Ewington Executive/ society, questioned and undermined Facebook/Database and the challenges and changes Wairarapa time- honoured institutions and it has wrought. In many ways, it often shattered our dreams. has brought out the best in people Richard Donworth Executive and the relative peace and quiet of Wairarapa 2020 has thrown up unprecedented lockdown provided an opportunity Stuart McKenzie Executive challenges for the international to reassess the way in which we Wairarapa community. Drought, famine, choose to live our lives. climate change, fire, political Tim Falloon Executive Wairarapa turmoil and the global pandemic Those of us who have spent with its monumental impact, have formative time inside the gates Jacob Smith Executive all conspired to create a year most of Rathkeale, have learnt a raft of Wairarapa of us would prefer to forget. In the important lessons in the Chapel, in Richard White Executive Queen’s words from November the classroom, on the sports field, Wairarapa 1992, 2020 has been an annus in the Boarding Houses and in the horribilis. Jock Cameron Executive outdoors. We are familiar with the Wairarapa importance of team dynamics and of friendship, of resilience and of Tristan Armitage Executive courage, of faith and of compassion, Wairarapa ROCK RUNNER 2020 of support and of kindness. The David Pereira Executive Editor: Grant Harper Pillars of a Good Rathkeale Man Wairarapa Publication Preparation: Shelley Hancox remind us to be at ease with our Design: Pete Monk Julius Capilitan Executive Printing: Greenlees inner selves and also to step forward Wellington and to have an awareness of those David Aitken Executive Photography: Thanks to all the members of around us. Our school mottoNil our school community who kindly supplied Auckland photographs for this edition of Rock Runner. mortalibus ardui est tells us that Nothing is Impossible for Mortal Terry Brailsford Auckland Man. Dwayne Smith Auckland CONTRIBUTIONS This tapestry of Rathkeale life surely Michael Caulton Auckland The Editor thanks all those who contributed articles and images to the Rock Runner. We represents a reassuring platform Jamie Treadwell Hawke's Bay are always glad to receive relevant material from which to tackle the vagaries Hamish Gibbs Hawke's Bay for future magazines. This could include of life and to cope with the changes articles, names of likely contributors and and challenges that 2020 has so Dan Druzianic Hawke's Bay obituaries. These should be sent to: unceremoniously served up. Simon Manthel Manawatu [email protected] Grant Harper George Pottinger Canterbury Editor Sam Johnson Canterbury Philip Harcourt United Kingdom Rathkeale Old Boys’ Association GRANT HARPER (1967-71) - President

he best laid plans of mice and Although Queen’s Birthday fundraise in support of the purchase men can oft go astray. weekend is now firmly established of the residual acres of the Maunsell Robbie Burns. as Reunion weekend for decade Estate comprising farm and bush T gatherings, the pandemic resulted land on the College boundary. This in all gatherings being postponed represents an exciting, challenging until 2021. This will mean that the and historic opportunity for the It is with pleasure that I submit this gathering of ten year groups, along Association, in association with the report of the Association’s activity with twenty years of past members Trinity Schools Trust Board and the over the past twelve months. of the Rathkeale singers and Viva Friends of Rathkeale, to enhance 2020 began confidently for the Camerata, will make for a vibrant the College and the educational and Old Boys’ Association, with an weekend to look forward to. In the recreational opportunities it offers. Executive keen to maintain the meantime, we thank those Old Boys The association acknowledges the momentum generated during 2019. who accepted the role of year group valued support of the Rathkeale Unfortunately, the advent of the Facilitator and wish them well as Foundation in underwriting ROBA’s Covid pandemic took its toll on our they marshall their cohorts. commitment. daily lives and on the plans in place Regional gatherings planned for 2020 witnessed the establishment for the 2020 year. As a consequence, the year have been thwarted by of the Old Boys’ Association there is less to reflect upon than social distancing and lockdown Scholarship awarded to sons of Old would normally be the case. restrictions. However, the Memorial Boys. This has been well-received The Executive has continued to work Service held for Bruce Hamilton and will again be awarded for the purposefully to enhance outcomes in July and addressed by past 2021 year. for members. The continuation of Headmaster, John Taylor, Old Once again, the Association’s 2020 Officers in key roles is advantageous. Boy Simon Werthmuller & ROBA Leavers’ event and enrolment took We are very fortunate that Vice President, Grant Harper, attracted the form of a formal dinner in early President/ Secretary, Ed Cox, is a large number of past staff, Old November. Richard Donworth and prepared to share his time and legal Boys and members of the College Blair Ewington spoke on the theme expertise on our behalf. Treasurer, Community. of “Unexpected turns life can take”. Scott Andrew, works conscientiously The same was true of Founders’ Day Again, virtually all boys opted for to guard Association funds, whilst in September, which focused on long Association membership and were Blair Ewington does valuable work service staff and particularly Grant presented with their Old Boys ties. with the database and Facebook. Harper’s 40 years on the staff. The Other members of the Executive assembly addressed by ROBA Vice The establishment of a new ROBA have kept in touch via monthly President, Edward Cox and past website last year has grown in meetings, much online activity and Principal, Bruce Levick also attracted significance this year and there Zoom meetings. All are thanked for a good muster of Old Boys, family is growing evidence of its use as their valuable input. and Friends of the School. a significant reference point for members. A training session on 2020 began with the annual A lot of deliberation has taken the management and the site was encounter between the Old Boys’ place regarding the Association’s found valuable by members of the Cricket Club and the College XI. support of the Trinity Schools Trust Executive. Once again, Shay O’Gorman was Board’s purchase of further land central to the organization of the for the College. The work done in Although the Association no longer match which was won by the preparation for the Special General utilises Notice Match, we have College team for the third time in ten Meeting held on 7 November was been saddened by the passing of a years. The Association appreciates significant and, in part, resulted in number of our community including the commitment that Old Boy thirty-two Old Boys attending. The Honorary Old Boy and Patron of players make to this important and unanimous support of all motions the Old Boys’ Cricket Club, Bruce growing tradition. gave the Executive a clear mandate Hamilton, Richard Smyth (1981-84) to utilise existing funds and to and Steven Briggs (1965-68). Financially, the Association remains As a Covid-dominated 2020 draws in a strong position. This reflects to a close, it is possible to reassure the high number of leavers who Old Boys that, despite a range of annually elect to become life challenges beyond our control, members. The decision to support the Association has continued to the purchase of the Maunsell operate and to plan for the future block to the tune of $200,000 will in a manner that, once again, will necessitate active fundraising. This enhance the well-being of Old Boys will be both challenging and also and of the College. potentially invigorating for the Executive, who is keen to access Grant Harper a range of income options for the President future.

Any school gathering offers the opportunity to catch up with old friends. Bruce Hamilton's Memorial Service was just one of several occasions that saw the reunion of former staff and friends of the school.

Left: Former Principal Bruce Levick and former Headmaster John Taylor stride once more across the grounds of Rathkeale.

Below left: : BoT Chair George Murdoch catches up with former Principal Willy Kersten. Rathkeale Board of Trustees Chairman of the Rathkeale College Board of Trustees George Murdoch reports on the Board's work in 2020.

reetings from the Rathkeale job under difficult circumstances and we Board of Trustees. Last are delighted that it was completed in time year I wrote that 2019 had for our end of year prizegiving in the first G been a year of challenges at week of December. This is a huge boost to Rathkeale College. Little did I know what both staff and students; the facility's closure lay in wait for us in 2020. Soon after the has impacted many of the school traditions start of the first term, the spectre of the such as House Music, House Haka and our Covid 19 pandemic loomed on the horizon annual Production. and by the middle of March we were Over 2019 and the early part of 2020 School preparing for what might lie ahead at the House, temporarily housing our Principal various Alert levels. As it was, we had two and the administration team, has had days before the end of a shortened Term significant renovation work completed. One to experiment with distance teaching, Fully reroofed, the ground floor living quarters have been brought then a two-week holiday period to refine up to more modern standards. Our next major property project is and plan for teaching and learning in a the long overdue refurbishment of Repton House. Planned for some totally new and challenging environment. time and acknowledging that we are in uncertain times, borrowing As a Microsoft Showcase School, our costs have never been lower and the outlook for our roll has never digital platform was well equipped to been stronger. This provides a compelling case to begin the essential cope with distance teaching. Even so, it upgrade now rather than delay and risk further cost escalation. wasn’t without its challenges and we are very grateful for the way our students and A recent highlight at Rathkeale was the Memorial Service held for teaching staff responded and adapted, longstanding former Deputy Principal Bruce Hamilton who passed supported by our school community. away during the Level 4 lockdown. It was a very special occasion Covid containment measures caused many attended by a number of Old Boys. The service acknowledged an disruptions to ‘life as normal’ at Rathkeale outstanding contribution to the evolution of Rathkeale College over and I feel for those students who were a long career. The day culminated in the naming of the B G Hamilton robbed of opportunity to participate in Cricket Pavilion; a fitting tribute to Bruce on a building he was long-anticipated school trips or traditional influential in creating. sporting and cultural events. I have Over the last two months the Board has begun the process of nothing but admiration for the way they refreshing the Rathkeale College Strategic Plan for the next five have adapted and taken on the challenges years. This has been a very enlightening experience as we challenge of the ‘new normal’ we now find ourselves ourselves to look forward and envisage what we should planning for in. now to create an environment that empowers our students to become Despite these uncertain economic times, contributing members of society in whatever career they choose in interest in attending Rathkeale remains the future. It is an iterative process which, when complete, will give strong and towards the end of last year we guidance to why and where we invest our energy, time and money in were very pleased to receive confirmation the future. from the MOE of a temporary increase As we look forward in uncertain times, the challenges facing our in our boarding roll. The approval of an young citizens are becoming greater and more complex. To support additional 25 places lifted total available them, Rathkeale must evolve to reflect the diversity of our society boarding spaces to 180 and our total and the different needs of our students. To do this we need to be allowable domestic roll to 335, a number agile and culturally responsive, but we also need to hold true to the we will be challenging in 2021. values that have guided us in the past. This is a challenge we are all On the property front, the earthquake prepared for and we welcome the ongoing support of the Rathkeale strengthening of the Auditorium is well Old Boys Association in meeting it. As always, if any of you wish underway and despite the hold ups of the to visit Rathkeale to see what has changed and what hasn’t, you are Level 4 Lockdown, this substantial project very welcome to do so. is on target for completion by the end of George Murdoch the year. The contractors have done a great Chairman, Rathkeale Board of Trustees Principal’s Report Principal MARTIN O'GRADY shares his thoughts on the past year at Rathkeale College.

irtually any report of any Rathkeale College and this will see organisation this year is us start next year with the largest going to start with specific roll at the school since integration. V reference to COVID-19. A pleasing aspect of this growth is While its impact on the the number of old boys who have nation is without parallel, it is enrolled their sons for 2021. We with particular reference to ROBA appreciate the faith and trust they activities that I focus my comments. place in their old school to educate the next generation. The most immediate effect was the impact felt on the range of ROBA While students were robbed of many activities that have been skilfully opportunities across a wide range built up over the past few years. of competitions and tournaments, Regional ROBA functions and there was still time for the odd event Decades Reunions quickly became to proceed and they continued to casualties of the Alert Level 4 represent the College with spirit and Lockdown and beyond. pride. I know at a local level the 1st XV rugby’s first win over Wairarapa Then there was the sad news that College 1st XV in 13 years was well foundation Deputy Headmaster received by many Old Boys. Added of the College, in particular the Mr Bruce Hamilton passed away to this, are recent successes by Old ROBA committee led by President during the Lockdown period. It Boys which are well reported in Grant Harper and Secretary was a privilege for our school to Gravel, the ROBA Facebook page Edward Cox. Often, at the end be able to host a fitting memorial and this publication. We continue to of a long and busy day, ROBA service for Bruce at the end of July. enjoy hearing of Old Boy successes members put aside many hours in The attendance of many members in all aspects of life all around the the evening to meet from all around from Bruce’s family, plus a large world. New Zealand. Certainly, attending number of old boys and former these meetings virtually did happen staff members, was particularly I would like to pay tribute to ROBA before COVID-19 but I suspect this fitting. The fact that we gathered in members for their ongoing support practice will certainly become even the Gym, with boys sitting on the floor, brought back many memories for the more mature members of the audience on that day. The naming of our cricket pavilion after Bruce seemed a fitting and popular decision and a nice way to complete our tributes to him. A special moment for my wife Sara and me on this day was to welcome former residents of the Principal’s residence back to their old home for lunch prior to the memorial service. It was delightful to listen to the Taylors, Levicks and Kerstens reminisce of their time living at Rathkeale over the last few decades.

We continue to experience an increase in demand for places at more common going forward as it is of his family were present made area of our College over the summer much more normalised now. the day all the more special. The break. We have been out of this rousing school haka that erupted complex for two years. Everybody Founders Day assembly took on a when the MG Harper Library sign associated with the College special focus for our College this was revealed spoke volumes for the has shown amazing tolerance, year. After some uncertainty due to respect that the College holds for adaptability and patience but we are going back to Alert Level 2, we were Grant and finished off a very moving so looking forward to moving back finally able to host this function at Founders Day Assembly. into the Auditorium complex. the slightly later time of the last day of Term 3. To be able to celebrate At the time of writing, we continue The support of the purchase of the outstanding contributions of Mr to respond to the many challenges the School House Bush Block by Grant Harper over the past 40 years that 2020 has delivered. On a ROBA members has been invaluable was certainly a unique experience positive note, we aim to have our and the advancement of this area for everyone involved. The many prizegiving on the last day of the of the school for learning in the guests who attended from all around school year in our Auditorium. The areas of primary industries and New Zealand were testament to the structural strengthening work will environmental studies is exciting for impact that Grant has had over this be completed by this time and we the future. period of time. The fact that many are set to move back into this vital In conclusion, I am excited by the drive and enthusiasm of the ROBA committee. You are genuinely committed to the connection and wellbeing of old boys primarily. Secondary to this is your support of the advancement of our College so that it remains a place that old boys can be proud of. It is because of this that I thank you all on behalf of everyone associated with the College at the present time.

Martin O'Grady Principal Old Boy Profiles We caught up with more of our members and asked them for an update on life since leaving Rathkeale.

Tim Falloon (1964-1968)

orn in Masterton and raised at Bideford, Tim attended the small Bideford country school until 1963, when he was a day boy at B Hadlow. His father was an old boy of Scots College from a very early age and Tim was enrolled there but on visiting the school, his father regaled his experiences as a ‘turd’ with being hung out of the 3rd floor windows and other experiences including nuggeting, he decided that maybe it wasn’t for him. With half the class at Hadlow in 1963 going to Rathkeale, due to open the following year, it was an easy decision to attend the new college as a boarder.

The early days were amazing and Tim feels it was very special to be a foundation pupil, helping to develop and be part of a great group of boys and him home and, being 4th generation, he returned to foundation staff. Living in the old Homestead with Bideford to farm with his father at “Berwyn”, the family just 40 boarders was a lot of fun, with 20 cents pocket farm. In 1973, he headed to the UK and did his OE, money when they had town leave once a week— meeting his cousins in Wales and working on farms and enough for a milk shake and fish and chips. in pubs. Here he caught up with Sue, also doing her OE John Norman, seemed such an old man at the time— and they became engaged in England before embarking he was, in fact, only in his 40s—but his enthusiasm on a 3 month trip around Europe, then heading home was infectious, and his love of gardening and trees for lambing. Marrying in 1975, they settled down to farm has stayed with Tim ever since, though his passion at Bideford. Sue and Tim had three children: Gretchen for concreting didn’t linger. Faye Norman was a very is a physiotherapist in Auckland; Nick, an Old Boy of special person in the early days, and Tim had some Rathkeale, is currently a helicopter pilot on the Yukon, talent for singing in the choir, which is something he North West Canada where Sue and Tim had a very white still enjoys today as part of the Wairarapa Singers—a Christmas in 2019; youngest Simon, also an Old Boy, Masterton-based choir. Faye was another mother for farms at Alfredton just 30 minutes north of Masterton , them, as well as looking after her four children. where Tim is still keen to lend a hand at busy times such as docking and scanning. Days were spent rock picking, which involved being on your knees picking up stones from the just-laid Tim continued farming at Bideford but 1998 brought a playing fields that were covered in stones and very new career selling rural real estate. In 2007, after studying abrasive to play on. This was also used as punishment at Massey, he achieved in AREINZ in real estate, was a as were the boulders on the Burma Road, and Rural Manager at Bayleys for 12 years and set up and plenty of stripes of the cane for talking after lights managed the first real estate branch for Farmlands in out. The fact that there were no prefects in the first the North Island, in Masterton in 2015. In 2019, he and couple of years meant there was no fagging as in the business partner Ondy Herrick set up their own One established colleges. As the school grew, Tim moved Agency Office, carrying on selling some great Wairarapa from School House in the first year to Cranleigh, property. Over the last 22 years of selling real estate, he Repton and back to School House as a prefect. has sold hundreds of properties from first home buyers to movie moguls buying large rural properties. He has loved On leaving school, Tim had two years studying at meeting and helping some wonderful people and has Victoria University but the call of the land brought made some great friends in the process. Tim has five grandsons, two the Wairarapa and New Zealand in Auckland and three in the landscape currently his main focus. Wairarapa. He'd love them to be 3rd generation pupils of Rathkeale Having spent a couple of times on but they are still some years away the Old Boys committee in the last 56 from that. In the last couple of years, years, it is great to be involved again. Tim has taken up painting with He was Chairman of the Rathkeale acrylics tutored by Jane Sinclair, a Friends for several years when well-known local artists. Jim Welch, his boys were pupils and finds it his art teacher at Rathkeale, was interesting to be the “Old Boy of the a prisoner of war veteran and a Old Boys” but also great to see it so great role model and inspiration in active and with excellent leadership. the early days. Tim has completed He is really pleased to be a part of it. quite a number of works for his family and friends and enjoys the camaraderie of the art classes, with

Mike Caulton (1973-1977)

y memories of to play WCS as the Curtain Raiser Wellington with New Zealand Rathkeale are very for the first Lions Game of their Insurance—they sent me to Outward vivid, especially the 1977 Tour against Wairarapa Bush. Bound in 1980—and after roles M mates I met on day Obviously, for WCS this was too with them and broking firms in one who have become good an opportunity to turn down Hawkes Bay, Wellington, I landed in life-long friends. During the recent and of course they put up their Auckland where I now work for the Covid lockdown, six of us, including 1st XV! The game was during the international insurance broker Aon Paul Duncan from Portland, Oregon, latter part of the first term holidays as an Executive Director attached all got together via Zoom every 10 midweek and three days prior to the to Head Office. I did get transferred days or so to swap notes and also to game we held a Training Camp at briefly to Masterton Office of NZI in reminisce on our school days, often school. This provided to be excellent 1982 and it was a great experience with photos appearing put up by and we beat WCS in terrible weather to reconnect with many ROBs in the different members of the group of us conditions 14 – 10. One notable region, assist the College 1st XV of during school days on WhatsApp! player that day was the Halfback for the day, Mike Fisher—best coach I WCS, David Kirk, who, among other ever played under, being the Coach Rathkeale was nine years old when achievements, went on to lift the who also coached the 1977 team. The I started at the end of January 1973 Rugby World Cup for the first time College had an extremely good team and being a relatively new College in 1987. that year with notable players being there were many firsts, of which I Paul Goodwin and Malcom Holmes. was involved with two. The first Apart from rugby, I participated in I also played Premier Rugby myself was helping to start Rugby House many other activities including Life for the Masterton Club. in 1977. The then Housemaster Saving, Tramping in the Tararuas— Marcus Wright asked every boy at Lochie MacGillivray (1971-75) was I would like to say that I ‘cut my the beginning of the second term to the Tramping Club Leader—Duke teeth’ in insurance working initially bring back a shrub that would be of Edinburgh and Kayaking. Grant in the rural sector, and the farmers planted around the house grounds. I Harper, who also taught me, took then and now taught me the rights can only assume some are still there! a group of us to Castlepoint one and wrongs when dealing with weekend with Kayaks strapped clients but also being supportive of a The second was Wanganui to and sticking out of EJN’s Ford young chap trying to make his way Collegiate. WCS only ever let our Falcon Wagon! in life. Since those early days I have 1st XV play their 2nd XV, until the looked after insurance programmes invitation went out for Rathkeale I started my working life in for multi-national and international Great mates from the 73-77 era. Left to Right: Paul Harper, Pete Bamford, Mike Caulton clients and have had a number of Boyden, Terry Brailsford and has been a passion we have both trips to Lloyds of London placing Malcolm Tweed. followed up on recently and we larger complex insurance risks. have completed the Routeburn and I enjoy helping David Aitken and Milford Tracks in the last 2 years. I have been extremely lucky during his team arranging ROBs events in The passion for these walks was my insurance career that a number Auckland. The most notable was instilled in me by one MGH when of ROBs have asked for me to act for last year at the Parnell Lawn Tennis he was a young Tutor in Cranleigh them in respect of their insurance Club where over 100 attended, House in 1974. & risk management requirements. including St Matthew’s Old Girls. Two in particular own extensive There were excellent speeches Overseas travel has been another companies and they should be from all concerned including past enjoyment and we have had family extremely proud of how well they Headmasters, John Taylor and Bruce trips to Europe linking up with our have done. Levick. I suggest to all Old Boys older sons and their wives who now to support and attend your local have CFO roles in London. The next I have been tremendously supported functions, the fun and camaraderie generation of Caultons have arrived, by my wife Bridget and three are second to none. being our grandsons Max and sons Sam, Henry & Tommy. Benjamin. You never know—they Unfortunately, none could go Away from work I have always could one day go to our great school. to Rathkeale, however, the last enjoyed being with the family, enrolment John Taylor did at King’s fishing, boating and Lake Taupo Whilst not tremendously studious at College before he retired was to where we now have a holiday home Rathkeale, if I could look back and accept Henry. and a family boat, plus recently we say what I got from my five years have invested in a 38’ Launch as a there would be many things but I Funnily enough, during the boys’ 10th Shareholder. Hopefully, this think the overarching values were time at King’s a number of ROBs will see me out! keeping one’s integrity, thinking of had their sons and daughters others, putting family first and never there including Gary Wilton, Greg Walking the Great Walks in NZ giving up. Thanks to Peter Newbold (via Mike Caulton) who sent in this programme from the first time we played WCS 1st XV in 1977 as a Curtain Raiser to the Lions V Wairarapa Bush Game. Peter's dad, Jack, wrote the half time & full time score in. A Tradition of Service College Matrons and Assistant Matrons have always been, and continue to be, an integral part of life at Rathkeale

Matron noun 1. A woman in charge of medical and living arrangement at the boarding school. 2. A dignified or sedate married woman. When Bruce Hamilton wrote the history of Rathkeale’s first 25 years, he listed the names of thirty-three women who had served as matrons in the College’s boarding houses: School, Cranleigh, Repton, the Annex, Innisfree and Rugby. Many others have taken on the role in subsequent years.

He noted that the boarding houses Left to Right: Bruce Hamilton in January 1990, catching up with with former matrons Sue Hamilton (School are the heart of the school and House 1975-77) and Phyllis Sadlier (Cranleigh 1965-70). that residential staff have the most demanding (of) tasks. In the midst of residential staff, the were, in effect, the forerunners to is a much quieter place and the Matrons and Assistant Matrons are today’s counsellors. matrons have at least some time crucial in determining the mood to relax at the end of a busy week, and happiness of a House and Over the years, work conditions whilst the boarders head off to generations of boarding boys will for all residential staff improved. organised activities which often take retain soft spots in their hearts for Effective and reasonable work hours them off campus. the special women who lived in their were negotiated. Assistant Matrons midst. grew in importance and after legal In recent times, a cluster of matrons wrangling at national level, the have clocked up remarkable records In the early days of the school, a current system was instigated, of service. matron’s role was almost a twenty- whereby a day matron and a night four seven one. The College was matron care for the boys over a Central to this group: their home and often the boys were 24-hour period. A matron may be Maureen Vaughan (Cranleigh) 1989- their family. In this situation, they asleep, but she is very much at work were not only surrogate mother— and on call—something every parent Lenora White (Cranleigh/Rugby) nurse—seamstress—cleaner. They will identify with. 1989-2004 & 2012-2019 were also the provider of food, flowers and wisdom. They heard The advent of weekly boarders Anita Gough (Repton) 1990-2020 the grumbles and cooked the trout has also changed much within brought up from the river. They the boarding houses. Instead of Liz Eaton (Repton) 1992-2018 often led gardeners during Sunday escaping once every 3 to 4 weeks Such service and continuity have jobs and accompanied the picnic on an exeat, many boys now may been instrumental in creating lunch to the bottom of Rangitumau. only be in the House for two, three stability and House loyalty— Matrons were expected to be present or four nights a week. Those who qualities highly valued in today’s at Sunday Chapel or on the Saturday are in over a weekend, are often changing world. Undeniably the side-line. They poured tea at sport from further afield or overseas. For College is a better place thanks to functions, danced with the students them, there is late brunch followed the contribution of the Matrons and at Ballroom Dancing and arguably by organised activities. Gone are Sunday jobs and Chapel. The river Assistant Matrons. AnnaStaff Rutherford hasProfile: a long history with Rathkeale Returning College, as an Old Girl of St Matthew's Home and Senior College (1991-1995), daughter of Rathkeale art teacher Simon Payton, granddaughter of Joe Payton (Trustee 1957-81) and sister to Old Boys Joseph and Toby.

fter finishing school, Anna travelled overseas for 6 months before A moving to Christchurch to study Film and Television at the NZ School of Film and Television. Grand plans of working in the film industry didn’t eventuate and after moving to Wellington, Anna worked in hospitality for a couple of years before beginning a Design Degree, majoring in photography, at Massey.

The travel call was loud though and after 2 years she flew to the US where she lived and worked in Vail, Colorado for 6 months, spending time exploring the country. After returning to New Zealand, she transferred her studies to Unitec in Auckland, where she completed her 4-year degree.

After graduating Anna again travelled to the UK where she spent the next 11 years. Working initially as a nanny, then in tv production, she met and married a fellow Kiwi from Southland, Don. They married in St Martin’s Church at Rathkeale in 2010 and had their reception beside the cricket pitch. They eventually returned to New Zealand in 2014 Once settled in Masterton, Anna Makoura College but when the with their three sons Alby, Charlie worked as a freelance photographer, opportunity arose to teach at and Rupert, and settled in Te Atatu specialising in family portraiture and Rathkeale she couldn’t turn it down. Peninsula in Auckland. began a photography project called She joined the staff in Term Three, Masterton and Me, about and for and is now enjoying her experience The big smoke wasn’t for them the people of Masterton. The project of the Rathkeale campus as a teacher, though and after a bit of convincing, included images of Masterton locals in comparison to her schooldays. they decided to relocate to Masterton and included a statement about in 2016, a year after their daughter what it is that they love about living Daphne was born. Anna and her in Masterton. This was exhibited at family moved ‘home’, to family land, Aratoi at the end of 2018. where they relocated a house to extend and renovate, a project which In 2019, Anna completed her took longer than anticipated. Their Graduate Diploma in Secondary four children now explore and play Teaching – in Visual Arts and Art on the land their ancestors grew up History. She began 2020 as the on. Design and Photography teacher at We remember Bruce Hamilton Although Bruce Granville Hamilton was somewhat diminuative in physical stature, there was nothing diminiuative about Bruce Hamilton the man, who, for over eight decades, literally and figuratively strutted his stuff upon life's stage in a manner that earnt him wide and enduring respect.

Bruce Granville Hamilton MA (Hons) NZ By 1963, Bruce had sampled life at at which he was to go on to spend 22nd October 1932 - 8th May 2020 four impressive independent schools most of his working life. in three different countries. It is Founding First Assistant/Deputy therefore interesting and fortunate For those colleagues and Old Boys Headmaster of Rathkeale College 1964-69, whose years at Rathkeale coincided 1971-86 Teacher 1987-1991 that he chose to apply for one of the two vacancies advertised by the with Bruce’s (The Admiral, Badger, “All the world’s a stage and all the men and recently-founded Rathkeale College Scratch et al) memories of the women merely players. They have their exits and joined Headmaster EJ Norman, man are often potent and usually and their entrances. And one man in his time D Weavers, Mrs F Norman and Mrs consistent. There was BGH the plays many parts.” D Blathwayt as the coterie who, in First Assistant (Deputy Principal), the efficient presence behind the Shakespeare, As You Like It II/vii association with the St Matthew’s Schools Trust Board, planned and throne. As John Norman observed, launched a new College at the “Bruce provided the essential levity start of the 1964 academic year. and unfailing common sense to ruce Hamilton certainly A photograph of Opening Day get through those difficult (early) made the best possible use shows a youthful Bruce (BGH) years. His experience in boarding, of the stage of life and at in full academic regalia, striding in sporting and coaching activities, the end of his impressive B confidently and purposefully across his love of literature and drama, his eighty eight years, it is the School House lawn. Thus began administrative skills and attendance possible to reflect on his remarkable a Rathkeale legend that was to span to detail, his loyalty and discretion as achievements as an educator and a quarter of a century and beyond. well as his natural flair for discipline, school master, sportsman and coach, were absolutely essential.” historian and author and as one of One can only begin to imagine Rathkeale’s staunchest architects and the challenges associated with In essence, he was the archetypal allies. establishing a new boarding school all-rounder who, as Deputy Head, in rural Wairarapa. However, in became a model for hundreds of Born in October 1932 as an identical a letter to brother Don at Christ’s Rathkeale students to follow. Widely twin, Bruce’s record at The College, Bruce mentions sleepless known by generations of boys as Collegiate School Whanganui readily nights, crisis after domestic crisis, the The Badger, Bruce’s razor-sharp reveals his blossoming academic arid wasteland that was the sports mind and equally sharp tongue set and sporting prowess and notes his field (BGH named it the EJ Norman him above the most challenging membership of the 1st XV for 3 years Memorial Desert after the man who of boys. He was described by and Cricket XI (Capt) for 4 years. He planted and tended it so lovingly), John Taylor as a fearless upholder was also a prefect. His significant wide-ranging ability amongst the of standards amongst staff and talent was further enhanced during boys, the unpaved spiritual road students alike. His efficiency his time at Christchurch’s College of school life and the exhausting and punctuality were flawless, House and the University of New absence of school leaders (prefects). something that others should Zealand (Canterbury) where an It was obviously not easy being aspire to. Upon his retirement, MA(Hons) in English was secured. present at the creation but after a John Taylor also observed that no Teaching at the Sydney Church of further two weeks he again wrote school has been better served by England Grammar School and at from the School House verandah, its Deputy Headmaster. Of course, St John’s Leatherhead in Surrey looking at the splendid sight of part of Bruce’s role was academic preceded him joining brother Don Rangitumau with the last rays of and History and English were on the staff of Christ’s College. The the setting sun on it and declared subjects undoubtably close to his brothers were a remarkable and ‘pity for those at Christ’s College heart. He was absolutely at home dynamic combination who were entombed in those great piles of grey within the academic tradition, quickly recognised as talented, stone’. He was obviously feeling relished the challenge and rapport conscientious and dedicated all- more at home at Rathkeale, a place of the classroom and enjoyed round teachers. particularly high regard as a teacher. Senior classes were often enthralled by his repertoire of captivating historical morsels whilst few will forget him teaching Alexander Pope’s Rape of the Lock to a Senior College co-ed class. He was in his element! Not surprisingly, his teaching techniques, notes and resources ensured that over the years his proteges secured consistently high marks in external examinations, Bursary and Scholarship. It is undeniable that his academic standards and expectations for both colleagues and students contributed significantly to the academic success and status of the Bruce Hamilton was legendary on College library. From the outset it College. many fronts but not least for his was Bruce’s baby and the growing formidable ability with the spoken collection was to reflect its creator: Bruce firmly believed that a good and written word. He revelled in the literature, history, sport and general education was a holistic one. His use of English and this was never knowledge. Many of his purchases own sporting prowess was evident more evident than when he was at now constitute the College’s from his own school days and the lectern, in front of a class or on significant archival stack and have flourished in later years when he the end of a pen. His speeches were recently been joined by books from played cricket for Central Districts invariably meticulously prepared, Bruce’s personal collection donated in the Plunket Shield team and lively, humorous and endowed with by his family. for the Nomad Cricket Club. His the most engaging of anecdotes. international collection of cricketing In true Hamilton style, they were A relative late comer to the ties is on display in the College also carefully catalogued and now institution of marriage, Bruce was Cricket Pavilion and underlines are safely interred in the College truly blessed by Sue, and later his extensive connection with the Archives. The writing of school Frederika who shared his journey game. Not surprisingly, his input reports was never a mundane task in later years. As a family man, a to cricket at Rathkeale was huge for BGH. Nor was it for the recipient! colleague, a teacher, a team member, and enduring. As a coach, umpire, a leader and an author Bruce manager, enthusiast and patron of Early in the College’s history he touched many thousands of lives the Old Boys Cricket Club, BGH enjoyed acclaim as the author around the world and will be widely has played a truly significant role in and producer of several revues. remembered and eulogised. He was establishing the mana of Rathkeale In 1988 he wrote the History of in all things the epitome of a Good cricket. The wonderful College Oval Rathkeale’s first twenty-five years. Rathkeale Man and the College and and its two pavilions reveal his This was the forerunner to the its community has been greatly influence from the beginning. Rugby creation of a formidable body of enriched by the decision he made in was another passion and he has been work that included the histories of 1963 to share so much of his life in described as a superb coach of the King’s College Auckland, St Paul’s our midst. code at all levels. He coached the XV Collegiate Hamilton, Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane in 1978 and was a perceptive and The totara has fallen in the forest of Tane knowledgeable supporter for many Whanganui Collegiate School (co- years. author with brother Don). Bruce’s M G Harper passion for literature was further evidenced by his commitment to the BGH In Memoriam Former Headmaster John Taylor shares his memories of the inimitable Bruce Hamilton at his memorial service, held at Rathkeale after lockdown.

hank you, Martin the analogy rightfully characterizes for Rathkeale, as I would not Bruce’s abiding commitment, service have applied if he had wanted It is a great privilege and achievement on so many fronts, it, especially as he had the ideal to speak about the as he was indeed the rock behind companion for such a task in Sue. T inimitable Bruce the scenes of Rathkeale’s successful Hamilton, outstanding all-round establishment. His answer? “God no! Go for it!!” schoolmaster, colleague and friend, on behalf of the Headmasters and Following his own secondary I think the answer was two-fold. Staff who worked with him over his education at Wanganui Collegiate, The most important one was his 22 years at Rathkeale. Bruce gained his MA (Hons) in sheer enjoyment of teaching, firstly English at Canterbury University. It is especially good to be back in of English and latterly of History, in this multi-purpose hall, where I first Throughout his teaching career at both of which he excelled. experienced the school’s unique Christ’s, after his OE’s at Shore, St Nor would Head-mastering have turnip-crushing marching style into John’s Leatherhead, and Rugby, allowed Bruce the time to write Assembly, which so many in this BGH was a superb example of the the histories of Rathkeale, King’s room will remember so well. great tradition of the all-round and Wanganui Collegiate, the latter schoolmaster. We all felt bereft when Bruce died in conjunction with Don. They all during lockdown, but it is wonderful How fortunate Rathkeale was that required much careful research and at last to have this opportunity Reggie Hornsby, doyen HM of wise judgement, and all now are to give him the statesmanlike Christ’s, allowed John Norman to justifiably the bench mark for school send-off which his service to, and take the one member of his staff who histories in NZ. achievement at, Rathkeale so richly was going to make such a difference! Another lesser reason may have also deserved. How does one measure the huge been that, with the best will in the One such major achievement was impact BGH had on so many lives, world, HMs are occasionally wrong Bruce’s superbly written History both staff and students – including and have to put up with a good deal of the Rathkeale. For example, his so many here today? of flak. letter to his twin brother Don, after From “King Lear’’ As a very able teacher who liked the new school’s first week, entitled to be right, and wherever possible “Present at the Creation”, is a Kent: to see things in black and white, masterpiece of richly ironic humour, BGH might have found it hard to worthy of Evelyn Waugh and well You have in your countenance that I would fain call Master accept the necessary compromises worth a re-read. that HMs have to endure – not to Lear: After much cajoling, I was going to mention the continual round of say badgering, John Norman and I What is that? public relations. There were always far more important things to do than were eventually allowed to write a Kent: section on the author himself. that! Authority” John concluded his section by No school has ever been better saying that BGH was like a mighty Many who have experienced served as its Deputy HM for 22 years Ruamahunga boulder who remained that “authority”, especially – his only rival might have been constantly in place to support the that withering stare, will have his twin Don, who also did similar School’s breathtaking progress over wondered why Bruce, the complete mighty things at Christ’s College. the first 25 years. schoolmaster, did not offer himself for Headmastership years ago. Characteristically, Bruce stood While I might not have compared aside in 1986 to make way for Bruce Bruce’s elegant figure to a boulder, In fact, I asked him exactly that Levick, who maintained similar high question myself before I applied standards, with his special qualities of thoughtfulness, attention to detail Oddly enough, for a person with a He was able to deal with even the and a wickedly dry sense of humour. military sense of discipline, Bruce’s delightful Keith West Watson’s hatred of Compulsory Military occasionally monumental wobblies, As John Norman did, I enjoyed Training and School Cadets was so skilfully engendered by his totally loyal and trustworthy legendary, and the subject of many students.. support from BGH, even when satirical comments! he disagreed with the occasional As the debate continues to rage decision or innovation. A key BGH legacy though was the about whether teaching should be quest for academic excellence. To teacher or student centred, BGH He was a fearless upholder of that end, he was i/c the timetable, demonstrated that the best teachers standards among Staff and Students but always zealous to ensure that achieve both – both the stimulating alike. Colleagues who were late with staff workloads, always heavy, were imparting of content, and the estimates and final orders seldom fair. insistence that students should think, erred twice. His “Time Gentlemen learn and speak for themselves. Please” was always immaculately The school had some redoubtable delivered at the end of morning- characters, who will bring back As a result, BGH’s proteges achieved break. many a wry smile today. highly in Bursary and Scholarship History, as well as winning 2 Lizzie His punctiliousness and sense of In days when one had to teach Rathbone awards. duty never faltered, whether it in state schools to gain one’s be about the school, turning up teacher registration, independent He loved telling historical anecdotes for dreaded school dances, much schools found it difficult to attract about English Kings, (especially loved Sunday Jobs, boring strategic certificated teachers and, as a result, George the 3rd), the Russian planning seminars, hilarious Staff a good number of the Rathkeale Revolution and the Third Reich. Sewage Lake Ballet rehearsals, or Common Room in those early days He well deserved what was widely compulsory Sunday Chapel in this were not teacher trained. rumoured to be the first carpeted very hall. classroom in NZ!! However, Bruce always got the best It was well known that you could set out of them all - people like Peter Though he kept staff up to the your watch to the Rathkeale Athletics Quinn, Jim Welch, Bernie Greenlees, mark in his liaison role between Day programme, an abiding legacy all of them right at the centre of the HM and Common Room, he was of Chief Track Marshall Hamilton. rich tapestry of Rathkeale. always a great friend on numerous Top Left: the new memorial plaque at the Cricket Pavilion

Top Right: Some of the crowd gathered for the unveiling of the new memorial plaque.

Right: the Cricket Pavilion Weather Vane, brought over from Lords by Bruce Hamilton.

Below: Some of those in attendance at the memorial included from left to right: Vicky Harper, former Headmaster John Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Simon Werthmuller, Digby Werthmuller, Head Boy Isaac Noble, former Principal Willy Kersten unsung occasions. His masterly and fearsome wit at staff meetings and especially farewells was much looked forward to by all, complemented by many nameless and unremembered acts of generosity and hospitality, greatly supported by Sue.

Bruce always cut an immaculate figure at staff functions, well deserving the nickname of “the Admiral” in his double-breasted reefer jacket. He cut a dashing figure on the dance floor, though it could fairly be said that he favoured the quickstep and the fox trot over rock and roll and the twist and shout!

Versatility is the hallmark of the complete teacher, and Bruce had that in spades. He taught even French when the timetable demanded it, bringing that subject alive with BGH at Wanganui Collegiate in 1949, middle row, second from right. anecdotes about his brother’s pronunciation difficulties in France. about to be forever associated with have lived, learned and worked It was well known that there was what was possibly his favourite here over the past 56 years. huge collaboration between the arena of the School, the Oval Cricket Pavilion. It could also have been In my view, no one has Hamilton twins as they used the contributed more to that very same teaching notes and swapped associated with the Library and the Squash Court, in the establishment tangible Rathkeale ethos than exam papers, very sensibly halving Bruce Hamilton. their respective History workloads. of both of which Bruce was a prime mover. What a wonderful legacy BGH has That same heaven-sent versatility left behind! occurred outside the classroom He could easily have become very set in his ways, but he never shirked From Wordsworth’s “Prelude” BGH was variously master i/c the responsibility in moving with the Cricket, 1st XI Player/Coach, Ist XV times – for example, in the successful We were brothers all Coach, Squash Player/ Coach, and establishment of the coeducational little known but true, the coach of Trinity Senior College. In honour, as in one community the Ist Hockey XI, 1964-65! Scholars and gentlemen, where For all that he achieved, on so furthermore His insistence on the proper many fronts, Bruce could have been technique was legendary. That overtly very proud. But he could not Distinction open lay to all that came, included the classic swing pass, abide humbug of any sort, and did And wealth and titles were in less perfected in his UK OE, all not much enjoy personal praise, as esteem demonstrated in his own distinctive was superbly caught by WH Auden, very high stepping style. Than talents, worth and prosperous “Praise? Unimportant, but jolly to industry However, few ever tried to emulate remember when falling asleep” Bruce Hamilton was that hugely his distinctive trench mortar bowling talented, very modest and totally style on the cricket pitch! Rathkeale has arguably one of the most beautiful natural school committed gentleman and Many will remember the black, then environments in the world, and is scholar by which, and for which, grey, then green tracksuits BGH deservedly famous for it. Rathkeale was founded. wore – and his insistence on smart Vale, BGH – Great Schoolmaster, turn out at all times, an abiding That environment has been a very Colleague and Friend par tradition Rathkeale has much to formative part of the College’s excellence. thank BGH for. distinctive ethos, but that special character has been created mainly by John Taylor It is marvellous to see Bruce’s name the teachers and the students who A Blast from the Past In honour of the late Bruce Hamilton, we reproduce John Ansell's (1973-1975) speech to the Rathkeale Reunion held 8 April, 2000.

hank you, Bruce. Of studies during Sunday night church. course, we wouldn’t I’m sure the other absentees join be here today in such with me in apologising unreservedly T numbers if this place to the Reverend Robertshawe for and the staff who ran our absences, and I for one assure it hadn’t made such a deep and him that I’ll be there tomorrow lasting impression on us. But I’m morning—I’ll be the one in the blue pleased to report that most of those dressing gown and moccasins. impressions have now healed and, as you can see, sitting on hard Bruce, I remember you once paid furniture is once again an option. me what I thought at the time was Actually, it has taken me a quarter a huge compliment, and that was of a century of shame to be able to that it was only a matter of time confess that, unlike the rest of you, before I found myself working for I never consummated a physical the ‘yellow press’. I didn’t quite relationship with any member of understand what that meant, staff. This had partly to do with not but I thought perhaps you were arriving until the fifth form, partly envisaging me in some sort of to do with a deep sense of natural editorial position with the South cowardice and partly because, unlike China Morning Post. I actually certain other John As, I did not ended up in what you probably remember the inspirational effect enjoy cravings for either nicotine or would have called it the Karitane you had on Larry Thompson after sweetcorn. I never had the pleasure gold press or advertising, where you gave him 6 out of 20 for a of being invited into Bruce’s study, unfortunately the rules of English history test and said that if he didn’t so I’m not quite sure what went on that you so painstakingly taught us get at least 16 for the next one he’d there, but I don’t think they were are widely ignored. Advertising be joining him in his study. The reading Keats. Beating Keats is sentences all too often begin with official term for this warning was probably closer to the truth. But And and But. And contain too general satisfecit, which is Latin there’s general agreement among many dashes. But, anyway, at least for generally satisfying for me, those who did accept your invitation I knew the rules I was breaking. but you won’t be able to sit down that your initials should really have And I didn’t really get away with till Christmas. Well, this was been transposed from BGH to GBH it, because I could always hear the enough for Larry to discover his (for grievous bodily harm). ghost of Bruce Hamilton thundering long-suppressed oriental academic his objections in the back of my instinct, and for the next test he got Mind you my lack of experience on head. 18 and topped the class. the receiving end did not cause me to shirk from my chief responsibility I very much admired your sense You were a teacher in the classic as a house prefect, which was of humour. This caused some sense that you saw it as your job to procure victims to satisfy the confusion when I was publicly to inspire and improve rather than staff’s insatiable appetite for fourth censured by the headmaster for simply inform your students. You form caning-fodder. There’s a having the temerity to impersonate would take great pains not simply to particular chap called Lowes who the Queen in front of the parents mark our work, but also whenever has apparently grown into quite a at a drama concert. This was very possible to offer some pearl of big person, whom I take great care to confusing for a young man because constructive comment. I remember avoid at functions like this. the person who authorised and once writing what I thought was a encouraged the performance was fairly worthy opinion about some I must add that my record would none other than his deputy. topic or other, and in the margin have been somewhat different if in that beautiful flowing script of Everybody remembers you as an Bernie Greenlees’ dormitory patrols yours, you took the trouble to give inspiring teacher. I particularly had extended into certain prefects’ me your brief opinion. There wasn’t very much space to write in and, it is a shame that the ravages of time and Richard, and of course to the given your flair for verbal precision, have caught up with you, and you institution itself and the great I can imagine you wrestling with finally look older than John Taylor. teachers who caused us to remember yourself for some time before it so fondly. finding just the right word. And I’ve I want to thank John Norman for never forgotten it—in fact I’ve had his tolerance and for hiring such My first impression of Rathkeale it specially enlarged and digitally colourful staff members. This was that it compared rather enhanced for this occasion. kaleidoscope of characters allowed unfavourably with similar us to experience a lifetime of institutions that I’d heard about, and But seriously, Bruce, you were a eccentric behaviour in only three especially in the areas of hard labour teacher who knew instinctively years, though admittedly the lion’s and hair inspections, which were not that for teaching to result in share of amusing anecdotes seem to a feature of either Mt Crawford or understanding in must be done in concern the habits of one particular Paremoremo. three dimensions and engage all the maths master. senses—though I wonder if it was If I’m 42, you must be at least 103 really necessary to include pain. Perhaps we should drink a toast to by now, though anyone guessing absent minds. your score would probably put it I’m always borrowing your somewhere around the half-century, impersonation of Fieldmarshall And finally, we are fortunate to if that. It’s nice to see you looking Montgomery talking about have among our band of stragglers so fit and married to a lovely lady, Chairman Mao: “Don’t like and reprobates two people with a Frederica, but I have to say it did Chairman Mao—makes noises when real flair for organisation, without seem a little unjust that a tennis nut he eats.” Where is that written in the whom we would all be in about 33 like me should visit a dyed-in-the- 5th form History syllabus? And that other places instead of here together wool cricket umpire and find his Jonathan Swift line from Gulliver’s tonight. home overlooking three beautifully- manicured grass courts. Travels about “the most pernicious Warren Herrick. Somehow, in race of little odious vermin that between organizing mountain-bike Arriving in the fifth form after most nature ever suffered to crawl upon circumnavigations of New Zealand, the surface of the earth.” I can’t of the action had subsided, I am and combining the very busy roles of one of the few to be able to say that actually remember which race that drug dealer, author and occasional was though, do you remember? Bruce Hamilton made a deep and President of Antarctica, Warren has lasting impression on me without Little scraps of knowledge that I found the time and energy to get the hindering in any way my ability to thought had vanished keep bubbling rest of us to find the time and energy sit down. But on behalf of those who to the surface, a bit like methane gas to get here. suffered appallingly at the hands of this brutal regime, I have suggested in a landfill. And I realise that they And the other thing he found very that we convene a Rathkeale War must have crawled into little disused early on, which was totally crucial Crimes Tribunal to allow the victims cubbyholes in my subconscious to the success of the operation, to recount the atrocities committed 25 years ago during English and was Richard Norriss, former hotel upon them and to bring the History, and thanks to you they’ve manager, choir conductor of the perpetrators to justice. But I think been living there ever since. year 1975 and rental car magnate. we’ll skip that ‘cos we know they’re Richard first rang me about this I know others will be talking about as guilty as sin and proceed straight sometime in ’97 so I’m not sure now other masters but I do want to briefly to the sentencing. pay tribute to Bernie Greenlees, who had the original idea, but I do whom I had quite a lot to do with know that over the last six months Edmund John Norman: you are in all but the physical sense. You Richard and Warren have worked sentenced to spend the rest of your were my housemaster, tennis coach extremely hard to find people, some natural life in Christchurch. and hockey coach and I seem to of whom it turns out don’t even recall you teaching us something want to be found. I don’t have the Bruce middle-name-unknown about LSD as well. That’s something total figures but I do know that we Hamilton: you are sentenced to sit that’s probably been of more use to will be reshooting the 1975 Repton in front of the television and watch Warren. prefects photo with 10 out of 11 again and again the exploits of the present. New Zealand cricket team. I think your influence has a lot to do with the excellent house spirit we The attendance strike rate for this weekend is far higher than for enjoyed in Repton and why so many John Ansell of us have come back to see you. But any other reunion I’ve ever been to, and that’s a tribute to Warren Sons of Old Boys, 2020

BACK ROW: G Speedy, C Sims, X White, A Jaspers, J Cottrill, T Fountaine, M Cox, W Smallwood, M Cox.

MIDDLE ROW: J James, J Didsbury, H Kendall, W Gooding, N Shaw, J McKay, C Doyle, N Percy, H Rutherford, G Donworth, B Cameron.

FRONT ROW: T Farman, T Luke, C Griffith, B Kinvig, S Draper, O Hewitt, H Wyeth, R McLeod, K Kendall, B Blundell.

ABSENT: S Blundell, J McLeod. Old Boys Scholarship 2021 Max Andrew is the son of Scott Andrew (1989-1993) and the 2021 recipient of the Rathkeale Old Boys Association Scholarship.

Max currently attends Masterton An active sportsman, Max played Intermediate School where he is a basketball and touch for his school, Student Leader. Max was selected and rugby and cricket for a local to go on the annual school exchange club. This year he also joined the trip to Japan but due to Covid-19, Wairarapa Multisport club Mountain the trip unfortunately had to be Biking group. cancelled. While at MIS he has been a member of the Kapa Haka and At Rathkeale he is looking forward Poly groups. Max has been part of to continuing with the sports that the Scouts movement where, as an are offered and participating in the assistant patrol leader, he attended wider school life. the Jamboree at Mystery Creek in Hamilton at the beginning of this year. The Call of the Wild Campbell Mclean (1975-1978) divides his time between the Ruamahanga Restoration Trust and his work as a documentary filmaker and media producer.

hen my parents for the mind, while for some it was delivered me to a hiding place. The old growth trees School House in the and mysterious wetland streams W summer of 1974, I possessed a spirit and an attraction was the only boy wearing shorts that would one day draw me back. instead of long suit trousers. As I discovered, it was not an easy road After I left Rathkeale, like many, I ahead if you were different. Yet, hardly looked back. Yet in those first on the whole we were in all in it years I did maintain close contact together: we talked after lights out, with a number of friends from my trespassed, got into scraps, enjoyed class of ’78. We stayed together until a few misdemeanors and felt the circumstances drew us apart and wrath of the housemaster’s cane on I left to live overseas. I was poorly our backsides. We ran rocks and prepared for the years ahead let built paths together, we marched alone the warp-speed journey and together, ate together and grew up the trials and tribulations of young together. Rathkeale was our coming adulthood. I squandered much of of age and our anthem was ‘Rock my first year at Victoria University of Ages’. We listened to the Bee but then found a calling of sorts ‘Pearl River Delta: China’s Greater Gees, Eagles and David Bowie on penning film and art reviews for the Bay’ scheduled for broadcast in cassette players, wore flared jeans student paper Salient. I refocused 2021 by Discovery Asia. The China and rounded shoes with thick heels: away from Law and graduated with connection is still strong, and I the Vietnam War was drawing to a BA in English Literature. I then have a number of opportunities an end and a new era of music was found myself married at a young in the pipeline connecting the two on its way. We were taught then, age and ventured forth to wider countries. as now, that “nothing is impossible horizons in Hong Kong and beyond. I have been blessed with family and for mortal man”. The words have friends, including many Old Boys changed slightly but the spirit of Since leaving Wellington, I have with whom I have remained in close our motto remains. Jack Norman lived in Brisbane, Hong Kong, contact. In 2018 several of us formed claimed that line well before Macau and mainland China. I have the Ruamahanga Restoration Trust Adidas adopted it in 1974 simply travelled the world working on with the aim of raising educational as “nothing is impossible”. Brands television commercials, feature awareness around restoring weren’t that powerful back then films, documentaries, online media and protecting areas of natural but our founding headmaster EJ and various corporate projects. I wetland and native bush within the Norman was. Besides the friendships have relished every moment of it Wairarapa catchment as a habitat for made and the experiences gained, –– meeting people from all corners birds and indigenous fish species. Rathkeale gave me the confidence of the world and seizing on the That mission starts at Rathkeale to stand before an audience. What I diversity of cultures and businesses. encouraging Old Boys (and St. lacked on the sports field I made up But behind that joy and fascination Matthew's Old Girls) to get onboard for on the stage in drama and public with the wider world was a calling with time and resources. speaking. I discovered a voice and to return to New Zealand; to family, friends and an environment that confidence that I would carry with The surrounding landscape and me in the years to come. But there I hold dear. In December 2018, I returned after a 30-year absence. beauty of the school campus always was another voice––the call of the made an impression on me. Today wild––that spoke through the trees I still maintain strong links with China and Macau, where I have a that landscape draws me back with and was carried on the evening air great pride along with a sense of from Maori Hill, across the river and production company producing online media and television wanting to give something back. over the fields. The environment that Nothing is impossible for us to embraced so many of us also had a documentaries. My current project is a four-part television series achieve –– especially if we do it special sway on me. It was an escape together. The final block Whatungarongaro te tangata, a toitu te whenua. While people come and go, the land endures.

n 1962, the St. Matthew’s At times the School has had access to supporting the purchase of 6.2 Schools Trust Board to the residual acres of the Maunsell hectares. approached Mrs Phoebe Estate, retained after subdivision Maunsell with a proposal and sale of the Rathkeale Farm At the time of writing it has become I to buy the Rathkeale in 1988. The School House bush, clear that many Old Boys strongly Homestead and the 500-acre farm daffodil filled pony paddock beside identify with the project and as that surrounded it. Agreement was the College gates and the land a consequence, we are moving reached and an option to purchase rolling back from Willow Park Drive confidently towards settlement date the property (for £70,000) was given. towards the bush with its scattered on 31st March and look forward to trees and farm buildings, have long the celebrations that will take place Unfortunately, Mrs Maunsell been in the “nice to have” category. once the land is secured. Although later wrote to the Board to say Many Old Boys and members of it may not be the original 500 acres, that she would prefer it if they staff have believed that the bush it will give the College's Agricultural did not exercise their option and was actually College property and Department approximately 33 acres that there would be dire results if treated it accordingly with field for educational purposes and endow they did. With regret the Board studies, hut building and assorted the College with an unsurpassed ended up purchasing for £35,000 other activities. green belt. the homestead and a rather boney 35 acres as the headquarters for Once the current owners As an Association we anticipate the College opened by Governor (Granddaughters of H.B.Maunsell) being able to feel justly proud of General Sir Bernard Fergusson in expressed an interest in selling the our commitment to the future of the August 1963. land on the southern and western School. boundary of the College, there From the outset it was obvious that was a flurry of activity to ensure a a growing school would need more long-held dream could become a land and over the years purchases reality. In tandem with the Friends added the Cricket Oval, the Upper of Rathkeale and the Trinity Schools Rugby Fields and the twenty two Trust Board, and with support from acres of the Golf Course/Land Lab the Rathkeale Foundation, the Old block. Boys’ Association have committed The challenge of the Tararuas Derek Dunbar (1966-1970) remembers Constable Lester John Tweeddale, who died, aged 22 years, fifty years ago (1947-1969). Derek was part of the Rathkeale Duke of Edinburgh group tramping in the Tararuas who joined a search to locate his body.

n the 26th June 1969, town, while Constable Tweeddale 16 to 20 of went for a tramp up us remained O Mount Holdsworth. to recover Between Powell Hut Lester out of and the summit, he got caught in Isabelle Creek a snowstorm and did not find his on Monday way back to Powell Hut. A brief morning up search for him proved fruitless and significant impossible due to the substantial ridge where dumping of snow. a helicopter could land. On the 17th-19th October 1969— In those days, Labour Weekend—a search and helicopters rescue party congregated at the were what Masterton Police Station on the north from the tops forwards and we would call antiquated, with Friday evening to tramp to Powell backwards across the eastern face no winch capabilities and limited Hut that night. Amongst those of the Tararuas. Other parties performance capabilities. in the party were a Rathkeale searched similarly the south faces College Teacher and 2 or 3 students. of Mt Holdsworth. We used two I had a box brownie type camera Apologies to those persons whose methods of search. The first was and took the only photos (black and names I am unable to remember. the Contact Search where we could white) of the recovery of Lester and There were also members of the touch the team member either side not long after returning from the Police, the Palmerston North of us with outstretched arms. Then expedition, the Police asked that I Tramping and Mountaineering Club further down, we used Close Search hand over the photos and negatives and probably the local Tramping where we were about 3 - 5 metres which I did. Clubs in the search party. apart. After a full day of searching, all parties made it back to Powell As students, we were on a multi- I was 16 years old at the time and Hut empty handed. I remember at day tramp for our Gold Duke of very fit from the 1st X1 unbeaten the end of the day when I took my Edinburgh award, so after loading hockey season and from cross long pants off, my legs were covered Lester into the helicopter we country running. I remember in blood spots from the Spaniards gathered our packs from Powell turning up at the Police Station Aciphylla dissecta which is unique Hut and tramped down to Totara with my pack etc and a sergeant to the Tararuas. Nearly all the 40 Flats hut for the night and out the coming up to me and saying, “You Spaniard species are in the South Waiohine Gorge on Tuesday. look very fit. Here’s a radio you can Island. put on top of your pack and carry On the 13th March 1970, we received up to Powell Hut.” In those days, On Sunday morning, our zigzag our Gold Duke of Edinburgh badges radios were something like 500mm x searching had made it into the bush and certificates from HRH the Duke 200mm x 200mm and were not light. line where we found some clothing of Edinburgh himself at Government I can tell you, I was absolutely spent which was determined by radio House. when we got to Powell Hut late that not to belong to Lester. After lunch, Today you need to be 18 years of age night. That sergeant is etched in my we received a call on the radio that to join LandSAR and then there are memory! Lester had been found on the south the training courses to be completed side of Mt Holdsworth at the bottom On Saturday morning, we were to be certified to do what we did. of a waterfall in Isabelle Creek. We split into two or three search parties How times have changed in fifty spent the night in Powell Hutt and and our party started searching years. some of the search party returned to from the top of Mt Holdsworth Derek Dunbar Founders' Day 2020 In September, 2020, staff, students, Old Boys, friends and family gathered at Rathkeale to celebrate Founders' Day, and to officially acknowledge Grant Harper on his retirement from teaching after a long and successful career. Speakers included former Principal Bruce Levick, Head of English, Graeme Anderson and ROBA Vice President Edward Cox.

Former Principal Bruce Levick spoke compellingly to a packed gymnasium at the Founders' Day Assembly.

bout two months ago, you sat in this hall and listened very attentively to the memorial service A of Bruce Hamilton who played a major role in establishing Rathkeale College. You are to be commended on the quiet way in which you listened to three speeches. Today we are gathered to acknowledge the contribution of another pillar of Rathkeale College— Grant Harper.

About a year ago, a junior student Left to Right: Graeme Anderson, Grant Harper, Vicky Harper was called over by Mr Harper were full-time boarders (no weekly provided rations and the minibus while he walked around the school or day boarders). They were allowed dropped them off in the foothills. campus. The lad may have been home for a night, called an exeat, Expeditions of about six were led about to do something wrong. The every three weeks. The school by a senior student who had passed student said to Mr Harper “Who was on this site surrounded by a first aid certificate and mountain are you?” I would like, for two farmlands. Only the farm house and safety survival tests. Teachers would reasons, to thank him for asking a farm cottage existed between here visit them only on odd occasions, that very pertinent question. Firstly, and the main road. The road was for the rest the senior boy was in it reminded the school authorities unsealed. There was a cattle-stop charge. Formal Health and Safety that Grant Harper who was now round the second bend. There was regulations were minimal in those only working part-time in the school one classroom block, and a second days. The staff were very different was unknown to two generations added later. The gymnasium was to the staff of today. Some were of students and that that needed to two bays shorter than it is now. not even trained teachers. The art be remedied. Secondly, the students Boys built the Greek Theatre, the teacher had been a sign writer, the needed to know more about this Burma Road, so called because the accounting teacher an electrician, interesting man. labour was not totally voluntary, the technical drawing teacher had the hobbies village, the canoe reach acted on the stages of theatres in Who is Grant Harper? He is the and endless paths and roads. At London, mathematics was taught son of a farming family from one stage the Headmaster enrolled by the Chaplain, the Headmaster’s Hawkes Bay. His parents sent him 16 more students than for whom wife taught music and the physical to Rathkeale College in 1967 when there were beds in Cranleigh and education teacher had been a pipe the school was only three years old. Repton, so they built bunks on top major in the Scottish fusiliers. The Grant’s number was 230. So even in of the beds that were already there. latter had fought in World War II the school’s fourth year of existence Students built their own canoes and maintained that there were it was still only 2/3 of the size of this out of wood and canvas and sealed no atheists in the trenches. These school now. them with a tarlike substance. They unorthodox men of the world What was Rathkeale like in the 1960s tested them in the canoe reach prepared boys for the real world. and 1970s? The year was divided and then paddled them in the I hasten to add that there were into three terms, not four as now. Ruamahanga River. At weekends some impressive academics in There were a few day students and after sport, they were allowed to their number as well. Grant Harper the rest were boarders. All boarders tramp in the Tararuas. The kitchen thrived in that environment. That was the Rathkeale College that got have disowned them, would you How many calls of the birds which under his skin (and into his heart). have reasoned that they got what live in those trees will you be able to they deserved for what they had recognise? On qualifying as a teacher and done? Or are you the nice sort of after a spell teaching in England, person who would have wondered Will you have travelled the world? he returned to Rathkeale College what had gone wrong in their lives Will you be able to speak te reo? as a teacher. Later he became the to drive them to make a series of Will you be culturally sensitive? Housemaster of Cranleigh House, ill-considered decisions. Noble What will your attitude be to Māori, Senior Master, Deputy Principal, thoughts are fine, but it is actions to Pasifika people, to Chinese, Head of Senior College and, at one that count. Would you have written to Indians and to modern New stage, Acting Principal. to the one you knew well while Zealanders who come from all he was in prison and helped him corners of the world who make up He taught English and Social to regain some self-respect and the rich tapestry of our country? Will Studies. He was well-read and supported him, at a harrowing time you have coped with changed times, well-travelled, thus adding spice in his life, to put the tattered remains attitudes and norms? to his lessons. I would rather of his life together again. That is Along how many of the ridges of the emphasise that he taught students. what Grant Harper did and that, Tararuas will you have tramped? The welfare of students was always ladies and gentlemen, is a measure Will you have been a of paramount importance to him. of this fine man. conservationist? He taught them English, but he also Will you be leaving the world a taught them what was right and The winds of time will buffet you. better place than you found it? what was wrong, he taught them Some will hit you face on and stop etiquette, he taught them manners. you in your tracks. In time, you will When Grant Harper left Rathkeale He encouraged them to think, pull your coat around you, lean College in 1971 he was awarded question and debate issues. He liked forward and carry on under your colours for service to the college and and respected the students and, in own steam. Some winds will come the Cooper Cup for the boy who return, they liked and respected him. from behind and life will be sweet. had worked most selflessly for the Some gusts will hit you from the side school. Now, half a century later, He also introduced Te Reo and at 150 km per hour and knock you he would be an even more worthy Māori Tanga to the college. Taha down. How long will you stay down recipient of those two accolades. Māori was part of the curriculum and who will help you up again. You Please join me in saluting, long before it was mandated by the will not be able to direct the winds of congratulating and thanking Ministry of Education and Education life, they will blow where they will, this family man, this lover of Review Office. but you can trim the sails of your nature, this conservationist, this yacht to make the most of whatever He went on to be a strong family educationist, this setter of standards, winds blow in your life. man. The success of his three this maintainer of standards, children is testimony to that. His The next time you see Grant Harper this upholder of traditions, this wife, Vicki, is to be thanked for the wandering around the campus you gentleman. support that she has given him in so will not need to ask him who he is, Grant Harper has selflessly given many ways over many years. but do go over and have a chat to of himself to this college for over him. I guarantee that you will come The grounds have been his passion. 50 years and has in no small way away well satisfied and richer for the He can name all of the trees and has contributed to its success as an discussion. planted many of them himself. educational institution. What will you be able to answer in What is the measure of this man? On behalf of the 4,461 boys who 50 years’ time, when you are in your Of the students that were at this over the past 57 year have walked 60s and a teenager comes up to you school in the 20 plus years that I through the gates of Rathkeale and asks “Who are you?” What will served here I know of three who College, thank you for making it you answer when you look back on have gone to prison. One was a such an idyllic place to spend their your life? What of Grant Harper will quiet well-behaved student, one teen age years. a likeable rogue, and one a highly have rubbed off on you? Grant, you can be justly proud of cultured individual. In other words, Will you and your wife have been a your service and achievements. Well they were just like you. Who they successful team? were and what they did is of course Will your children have done you done! private, and not important. What proud and made successes of their Bruce Levick is important, however, is how you chosen careers? would have reacted to this news. How well read will you be? Would you have read about it in How many trees will you have the newspaper and then just turned planted? to the following pages, would you Will you be able to name all the trees have condemned them, would you on this campus? Many would argue that Grant Harper's the school, originally to be used to did explain that he is not averse influence is most strongly felt in the line the entrance road to the school. to cutting out a diseased tree but beautiful grounds of the College. Head However, they were actually planted feels that too many people become of English, Graeme Anderson, spoke to make a line from Rugby House to trigger happy when they have a eloquently of Grant's vision and passion the river – and from that we can start chainsaw in their hands and can, on for nature, particularly trees. to see that lines of trees became an a whim, destroy specimens which important part of Rathkeale. might only need some judicious omeone once asked me in pruning. There is an anecdote, my first year here in 2004 Grant returned for a single year which is possibly apocryphal, that what was so special about in 1975 and then came back in ’82. has him taking off in the middle of this school, compared to He has been here ever since and a conversation with someone when S has done a massive amount of others in which I had taught. I didn’t he unexpectedly heard a chainsaw even have to hesitate about my planting in 40 years. One of the first starting up. answer: The quality of the grounds is things he did was to plant a row what lifts my heart as I drive in each of trees between the playing fields, Gardeners frequently have to morning. And it is the quality of the something which John Norman, the demonstrate foresight that extends grounds that forms the basis of my first Headmaster was not thrilled to far beyond their own lifespan, contribution about Grant Harper this see when he returned for a visit as given that trees will often not afternoon. he had envisaged an open space. He reach maturity till long after their did, however, manage to get John planters have passed on. They are We are indeed fortunate that Grant’s Norman and John Taylor to back him a gift to future generations who parents were perceptive enough up when the board wanted to put will enjoy their shade, their beauty, about his interests to choose a school artificial turf on the common which their changing colours signalling that would suit his personality. They would have spoiled the natural flow the progression from one season rejected Wanganui Collegiate and of that space. to another. Grant’s gardening Lindisfarne in favour of Rathkeale foresight has created a beautiful and because they felt that the land— From 1982 Grant was given carte spiritually satisfying environment approximately 120 acres of it with blanche in terms of planting and that will be enjoyed by future the bush and river—would suit him the grounds and has been able to generations and for this, generations better than a school within a town. continue his love of trees. For about of boys still to attend Rathkeale can And they were quite right. 15 years, he roped in the detention be thankful to him. boys to help with the gardens in the Grant remembers that his first term afternoons, especially as the bush Rathkeale has benefitted from job as a Year 9 boarder was pulling had become increasingly important Grant’s superb knowledge for out weeds behind Burma Road on over the years. With his son, James, almost 40 years and so it was with what is now the Eco Trail, so he was he planted all the trees on what was trepidation that I tried to find a blooded early on. John Norman told the golf course. And for more than word which could best describe his his parents that he was very like a decade, the NZ studies group has legacy. I quickly rejected facilitator, an English schoolboy as he tended planted trees. Many of the trees on pondered over custodian but I to wander around looking at trees. this campus, apart from the oaks and think that the most fitting way And, it is that love of trees which others planted by John Norman, owe to honour Grant is by using the has helped transform the Rathkeale their existence to Grant Harper. Maori word ‘kaitiaki’ – a carer, campus into what it is today, some guardian, protector and conserver 50 years later. And then we come to the Jubilee of the environment of Rathkeale Quad. Grant explained that Willy College. Thank you, Grant, for your The environment has always been Kersten had a nice feel for the unstinting contribution. crucial at Rathkeale, from the 1925 grounds. He wanted the walls hiring of Alfred Buxton to landscape round the quad to reflect all the past Graeme Anderson the grounds for the Maunsells, students of the school and at the which he did with both natives and same time thought about tidying up exotics. And the first students, who the quad. Together, he and Grant were only allowed home three times hired Hamish Moorhead, an old per term, worked hard. The bush boy, to come up with a plan and the might have been out of bounds but resultant quad, with its careful lines that didn’t stop them from going in and plantings, is a fitting central there and they lived at the river. focus of the school.

When Grant left school in ’71 his One of the things which Grant parents gifted a number of trees to dislikes intensely is chainsaws. He Rathkeale Old Boy and Vice President of seasons - whatever he does it is with teacher in school, rather than his ROBA, Edward Cox, shared memories of 100% effort and the right spirit”. contribution to the old boys. Grant from the perspective of Rathkeale Boys. When I arrived in 1983, Grant’s It is no exaggeration to say that there beard was gone, replaced by the is possibly no one who knows more ubiquitous tweed sports coat or that about Rathkeale than Grant. This oday I am speaking on icon of the 1980s, the blue double- potential was recognised early on in behalf of the Rathkeale breasted blazer. There is that classic the 1975 Rathkeale College record, Old Boys’ Association. photo of the first four Cranleigh reading suspiciously as if it was T As an association, we House Masters, Robin Ball, Max written by B.G. Hamilton: want to record our thanks to you Mabin, Liam O’Gorman and the Grant for all you have done for now provincially sartorial successor, Grant is an Old Boy and he knows Rathkeale over the last 40 years. Grant Harper. With Vicki and what the school is all about; we very family living at Cranleigh, the once much value his loyalty and enthusiasm, I am conscious that what I say today and the great rapport he had with the should be representative of the 5000 active outdoorsman now had 90 boys to control. boys. We need him back when he has boys that have passed through these completed his degree. gates and I am pleased to see a good As old boys, our perspective of number of our company here today. Grant changes again when we leave In 2000, when John Ansell’s year The pressure is only increased by this place and we stop relating to group, 1973 to 1975, had their the fact that the President of the him as a staff member but instead reunion, Badger described you Old Boys is that great lover of the as someone who is the ongoing as “the soul of Rathkeale”. That apostrophe himself, one Murray embodiment of the place we came description reflected not only that Grant Harper, 1967 to 1971. That is from; an idea I will return to later. you understood what makes this all the more so when we know Grant So, for the old boys, we know Grant place special; the importance of hates being singled out and is likely through several different phases of learning, of an education that is to brusquely brush off praise. our lives. We have known him when fully rounded, of understanding we were boys here, a great many history but with a questioning lens, As old boys, we have a unique of community, of coming from a perspective on Grant and all he has of us sitting exactly where you are sitting now (but without carpet), and particular place, the importance done for the school. For every one of our families and of the physical of us from 1979 onwards Grant, you he has been here when we returned to school in our younger adult days. environment in which we lived and have been a senior staff member learned. and even Acting Principal. For those Finally, for an increasing number whose tenure intersected with 1967 of us, he has been here when we Grant, your classroom lessons and to 1971, Grant was that boarder have brought our sons through the my learning only crossed a few times from Hawkes Bay, noted as being gates for the first time; that same but what you taught us about Te Ao quiet and studious, but with an air warm smile and firm handshake, Maori has stuck with me ever since. of dependability and reliability. He and a new sports coat, greeting us What is more, the perspectives was, apparently, a solid citizen. now man-to-man and welcoming us and critical history you gave have Strangely then, from another back into the Rathkeale community. withstood a history degree and contemporary, it has been suggested There was a certain reassurance in 3 ½ decades. And there was no that Grant was connected to the heist that. more tangible learning about the on the tuckshop. That seems out Finally, Grant has been a stalwart of experience of tangata whenua than of character, and “Harper’s 11” just our Rathkeale Old Boys’ Association. when you took us to the trees on does not have the same ring about it, An almost constant presence on the the grounds that still bore the adze so I am sticking with the descriptor committee, Grant’s contribution marks of our predecessors on this of dependable and reliable. to our organisation is worthy of land who had carefully cut strips of another tribute, but that is for bark for their whare, hundreds of For boarders, especially in the mid years before us. 70s, Grant you were the bearded, another day. And in saying that pipe-wielding, superhero, equally I want to acknowledge the other But it is in your role as a capable of kayaking (apparently) old boys, who are on the staff who housemaster that I, of course, have and hosting discussion sessions in must surely also be approaching the greatest memories from that the Cranleigh library, called Korero. some type of long service milestone, time. It was a toss up today whether You are the subject of a three-page including my contemporaries I wore my Cranleigh House tie or spread of the boys’ satirical, and Mr O’Gorman and Mr Ewington my Old Boys tie. To hedge my bets possibly subversive newspaper, and that might be the round and I brought both. Let me start by “Hard Times”. It was dedicated to the short of that. But today is saying that I am eternally grateful you under the caption “a man for all about celebrating Grant’s role as a that you have either forgotten, or consigned to the secrecy of history, panacea to a boys boarding house. I from junior classes as they come into all the stupid things I did. I do not may have told you this story before, the room and that, sportingly, you think you have changed in the last 35 but I only saw you really riled offer a light but swift counterpunch years but I surely hope I have. In the once. You stormed down B dorm to anyone whose hand does not following account some of the names demanding to know who had taught grasp yours. From that respect have been changed to protect the little Alice the F-word. We said it many Old Boys have reflected that innocent, but otherwise everything is was Daniel Gentry and I think he you are a great listener, and that hundred percent accurate, according copped it. you provided that empathy and to my memory. understanding to them. On the night of the Great Cranleigh At a time when the culture in the House Raid, there had been no Your ability to name boys back school could be robust, to put it prior warning. All anyone could through the ages, who their parents kindly, Grant ensured that Cranleigh do was hope that the stripping of were and where they came from, and was a house where everyone could beds, the turning out of drawers and what those old boys are now doing feel secure and free to be the wide cupboards would not incriminate in adult life, is a rare asset. It is also range of individuals we were. It was them. Prefects were dispatched to just one reason why we are unlikely from those efforts that Cranleigh the dorms and we waited. Back to ever accept your resignation became known as the Family to the common room you led the from the old boys committee. If House. And it was from that, that, searchers. In a stern tone, Grant anyone knows the whakapapa of Grant, you acquired your famous you exhibited the normal items of Rathkeale, it is you, and it has been nickname, “Ma Harps”. I do not contraband that had been found and built up through the years by your think you were a mother to us, but punishments were announced. But interest in the boys and families who you ensured that values of caring, the best was kept for last. Holding have become part of the Rathkeale or at least tolerance, pervaded and up a pair of frilly black knickers, community. the terrors of bullying and over-the- you simply asked one embarrassed top physical behaviour were largely senior if he would like to explain In te ao Maori there is the concept of sidelined. Grant you were no soft what he was doing with these. ahi ka, burning fires of occupation to touch in those days. You ran a tight These lessons about the exercise of show possession of land. Hopefully, ship and the creaking of your leather authority were taught by example without corrupting the concept too brogues on the cork floor quickly and have come to be valued by much, I can make the connection to a brought everyone to attention. many. similar phrase, that of keeping home But equally, you were humane, fires burning, sometimes referring approachable and interested in us. When questioned, many old boys to preserving something that is You were practical, and knew that will say that it is the physical precious but potentially imperilled. boys would be boys. Your solution environment of Rathkeale that they Many old boys are very grateful that for two boys in our year who were relate to most and Grant, as is so you have always stayed and helped both prone to sleepwalking out of often said, you have had such an steady the ship through tougher the same window, was simply to influence on that. For old boys, times when we hear the school faced clear the garden below. the physical sense of place here challenges. When we come back and at Rathkeale, the beauty of the see the school now, in such good But you had little tolerance for grounds, the memories we hold shape, we are grateful that you had swearing and, with bat-like hearing, of those and the pride taken when your hand near, or at times on, the you could detect it even from your we see it now, are such lasting helm in your senior leadership roles. own house. Your tactics to eradicate intangible contributions to which colourful language were effective, we owe great gratitude to you. But Grant, there is so much to celebrate although they might possibly not it is another quality of yours Grant about your 40 years teaching here, pass ERO muster now. What did that I want to talk about now. It may but I can sense it is time to stop. If all that teach us? Learning, to sound trite to say it, but you have I carry on, I suspect I will get told be tolerant, learning to live with always known how to talk to boys. off by the President at our next others and, amongst all others, that Your role in the school has always committee meeting. So let me finish “Manners maketh the man”. commanded respect, but most by saying, on behalf of the old boys, importantly, you have returned that those who have gone before, and Vicki, I would like to acknowledge respect to the boys you have taught. those that you are part of, thank you your contribution to Rathkeale as It showed in the little gestures, like for everything you have done for well, especially in those days when the signal you used to give when Rathkeale, for all of yourself that you lived in school. You had your entering another teacher’s class, you have given to this place and we arms full with your own children signalling to us not to stand. I am celebrate you achieving this fantastic but you were a contrasting calm reliably informed that your recent milestone. I hereby declare that you and feminine presence - the perfect practice is to insist on a handshake are a Good Rathkeale Man. Ed Cox Kim Redmond Kim Redmond (1987-1991) has built a family business that combines travel and creative fulfilment. He looks back on his years at Rathkeale and the foundation they laid for his future success.

aving grown up on a small sheep farm just south of Wairoa, Kim H Redmond couldn’t wait to get to Rathkeale. Having an older brother already attending the school—Nick Redmond (1984- 1987)—made that transition very easy.

Kim’s first year at School House was under house management by Ed Cox and Rob Blackett. Early morning cold pool runs come to mind, as well as Rock Running in their attempt to mold boys into Rathkeale men, always assuring the group of boys that it was all Kim Redmond and wife Amelia part of good character building! Serendipitously, Kim met his future was tough and the duo wondered Under Grant Harper’s guidance wife, Amelia on Christmas Eve, just what their next move would be. That and leadership, an incredibly strong before departing on his O.E. Having same year, they received a chance year group developed that has spent 6 months in the States on his visit from a fellow Kiwi friend living continued to play a big part in Kim’s way to the UK, Kim was in awe at in London who had been selling life today. Looking back, he realizes the size of the country and couldn’t Decorative French style furniture how fortunate he was to be part of help but think that success was in the UK. With Amelia’s passion this group and to experience such a possible in such a place. After almost for interiors and Kim looking for positive educational environment. 2 years of financial contract work in a business opportunity, the two The experience was not only London, Kim won a “Green Card” in decided they would distribute the enriching but also filled with fun. the USA Visa Lottery and emigrated furniture in the USA. Without much The university years posed a in 2000. thought or planning, they decided to challenge for Kim and by a miracle, fly to Los Angeles and give it a go! Arriving in New York was an a Bachelor of Commerce was incredible experience for Kim; he With no experience or much finally attained at the University was inspired by the energy of the information on where to begin, Kim of Canterbury. Having no interest city and its people. In 2001, with a and Amelia rented an old, small in pursuing a farming career and challenging financial market, Kim shop and house in Venice Beach, no professional training, he was found himself working as a “Debt California. It was the kind of creaky unsure of what the future held. Collector” for a Hip Hop Record establishment where the sink ran With a keen interest in landscaping, company. While there were “crazy into a bucket and there was no hot thanks to his time in Canterbury, experiences” as he describes, the water; while it wasn’t pretty, it was Kim worked with a client who had small, connected team instilled Kim a start. They participated in flea travelled to Morocco and returned with a passion for small business. markets each weekend, drudging with an Antique Door that became a along their finds; whether people coffee table. The idea of travelling to Amelia joined Kim in New York loved it or just felt sorry for the remote places and sourcing artifacts City, having recently graduated two, the furniture started selling. was appealing and he wondered if from the Auckland University in Flea markets eventually led to trade that would be a fun business one Fine Arts, just a few months post shows and their first space was a 3m day. 9/11. The aftermath of New York x 3m booth. They found people were truly passionate about the product their products and bring the allure feeling oddly similar to being back and incredibly supportive. Once of Europe into the heartland of at boarding school, with a sense they started specializing on servicing America. The building was a game of teamwork, unity and constant the Home Furnishings and Interior changer for the business and one of laughs. Design Professionals, Eloquence® the most rewarding things they have was born. Amelia eventually started achieved as partners and as a team. Exciting challenges ahead are the designing furniture and the focus renovation of a flagship design was shifted from solely buying Throughout the excitement of gallery in Los Angeles, where Kim and selling antiques, to re-creating building a business, parenthood has and Amelia hope to provide a classic European furniture styles brought both Kim and Amelia much California/Provence lifestyle to their in Vietnam. This was a whole new joy and balance to their lives. As they clients and a wonderful working world for the two and they loved it. navigate raising boys in Los Angeles, space for their amazing team. With California—Casper (8) and Bastian the current travel restrictions, they Cutting their teeth at these (4)—they try to keep busy with plan to get out and see more of the shows gave Kim and Amelia the sports, outdoor activities and travel. amazing National Parks in the USA. confidence to attend High Point, With the beach, mountains and Next year, they hope to travel home North Carolina’s Home Furniture desert in close proximity, California for the 1991 thirty year reunion. show; the largest in the world. They has allowed the family to experience humbly showed their designs and a large variety of life. Kim learned many life lessons from one-of-a-kinds in the smallest booth, Rathkeale, but one of the main in the highest traffic location. In his spare time, Kim can be found take-aways is that a combination hiking and paddle boarding. In of perseverance, grit and a positive After eight years of learning the 2019, Kim accepted an invitation to outlook will serve you well in life. ins and outs of the Furniture and climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Along with Nil mortalibus ardui est. Interior Design industry, Kim some old University friends and a and Amelia opened their own great team of people, they trekked showroom building in High Point, the highest mountain in Africa NC in 2016. The building was for 7 days. The experience was completely renovated to showcase nostalgic and rewarding for Kim, Built upon these rocks ... Murray Jack (1969-1973) reflects on how his education at Rathkeale laid the foundation for a long, successful and varied career at Deloitte's.

urray has reflected on Murray boarded at School House, tour of their office. Following a stint many occasions over then Cranleigh, before moving to in London (1980-1982) he returned his last 40 or so years the temporary premises at Innisfree to Deloitte and became a partner in M on just how important in Masterton, where he was Head 1987. Over the next few years, he his time at Rathkeale has been. of House, while Rugby was built. helped build the firm’s consulting From the disciplines of hard work Innisfree was a perfect location – business and in 1994 moved to to the importance of teamwork and close to the attractions of town, and Singapore to lead the establishment the necessity to try new challenges far from the rigidities of the main of Deloitte’s South East Asian and have fun at whatever you do. campus. consulting business. Rathkeale was a young school in 1969 and at times it felt like the After Rathkeale, Murray studied at Murray would spend almost six students were unpaid construction Victoria University, graduating in years in Singapore, travelling and workers as they worked off their 1976 with a Bachelor of Commerce working throughout Asia. He black marks carrying rocks and and Administration. He joined the would go on to lead the Deloitte mixing concrete. He would never be international accounting firm of Public Sector business for Asia as fit again. No wonder relief was Deloitte, after one of their partners Pacific and take on the HR function often surreptitiously sought in a had noticed a picture of him as leadership for the region. In 1999, quiet smoke or a drop of whisky. Rathkeale Arts Dux in the Dominion having initially planned to be in and enticed him with lunch and a Singapore for two to three years, following the collapse of finance companies after the global financial crisis, and successful prosecutions for market manipulation. FMA is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most effective regulators.

As a Chartered Accountant, Murray has also been actively involved in their professional body. He was a Board member from 2009 to 2019 and in that time played a leading role in the merger of the New Zealand and Australian professional bodies—the first such merger of its kind anywhere in the world. He became the inaugural Chair of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (in the survey of members to name the new body in 2013 the response was “anything you like as long as it has the words ‘Australia’, ‘New Zealand’, his wife, Linda, decided it was time teachers’ payroll system. It was a and ‘Chartered Accountants’ in to return to New Zealand so their particular pleasure for him to find it”—always a creative lot!). This three daughters would not grow up that his fellow reviewer was none year Murray was admitted as a international waifs and strays. other than Sir Maarten Wevers, Life Member, in recognition of his a Rathkeale alumnus—the two services to the profession. From their base in Wellington, overlapped for a couple of years. Murray continued to hold roles for They had a few hilarious—if they At 64, Murray is starting to wind Deloitte in Asia Pacific, ultimately weren’t so depressing—moments down his professional interests but becoming managing partner as they uncovered the extent of the continues as a director of Australian for the Asia Pacific consulting Novopay failings. Murray continues engineering group Aurecon, a business—12,000 people in 14 to be an active advisor to Ministers member of the advisory board of countries. In 2006, he put a stop to and senior executives in the public the New Zealand Defence Force, 120 days a year out of the country sector, most recently completing Chair of advisory board of the and was appointed Chief Executive an independent review into the public policy advisory firm Iron of Deloitte in New Zealand, and problems with the 2018 Census. Duke Partners and a member of then Chairman from 2012 until his the governance group for Inland retirement from the firm in 2015. Alongside his time at Deloitte, Revenue’s $1.5 billion business Spending nearly 40 years with the Murray has had, and continues transformation programme. one organisation is something of an to have, a keen interest in public anachronism in this modern era of policy. He has been a member of the Murray and Linda married in 1979 portfolio careers but looking back New Zealand Business Roundtable, and continue to live in Wellington Murray says the variety of roles an inaugural director of the New and spend time lazing in the Bay of and locations never made it feel like Zealand Initiative, New Zealand’s Islands, whilst their three daughters it was with one organisation. The largest independent think-tank, live in London—Rosalin, a Chartered longest time he spent in one role was and was a member of the policy Accountant; Ohope Beach—Eloise as Chief Executive. group of the Australia New Zealand the copywriter, and with her Foundation for several years. husband, part-owner of a cinema; As well as his leadership roles, and Auckland—Stella, returned Murray has had several challenging Following his retirement from from London in March, tested assignments. The most difficult Deloitte, Murray was appointed COVID positive but recovered, and was an independent review of the to Chair the Financial Markets now marketer of liquor brands. Ministry of Social Development’s Authority, New Zealand’s financial With international travel somewhat security systems following the and securities markets regulator. curtailed, golf increasingly intrudes Ashburton killings. One of the There he oversaw a significant into the working week. most interesting was the Ministerial expansion of the FMA’s mandate, Inquiry into Novopay, the struggling ultimate resolution of the litigation A one-stop-shop in Woodbourne Rowan Ingpen (2000-2004) left Rathkeale College with the clear intention of life as an automotive mechanic in his hometown of Dannevirke. Life, however, has taken him in a somewhat different direction.

few years passed and, with an avid love for bikes, he stopped A getting his hand dirty and started selling bikes for Honda. Rowan was always good at talking and sales was a natural transition for him.

After a night with the family, it was decided they would like to buy a family business and hospitality was in their blood, after being raised at the Merryless Hotel in Dannevirke. They searched the country for something that would be big enough to employ his sister Stacey, mother Adrianna and stepfather Richard. The search bought them to Renwick, Marlborough, South Island, a small community situated in the heart of the New Zealand wine region of Renwick, ten kilometres south of Blenheim.

The Woodbourne Tavern has been the heart of the community for over 70 years, beginning as a small pub from two small army huts from Delta Base Camp. It was to serve the serviceman of Delta Camp and Base Woodbourne.

The Ingpen Family purchased the Tavern at the beginning of 2010. The Woodbourne Tavern is a one stop shop, so much so, in fact, that it The Tavern is made up of a Family does "baby showers, weddings and funerals". The tavern employs 26 staff Restaurant, Large Function Room, and throughout 2019 helped the community and organisations raise over Main Bar with TAB and Gaming $100,000 through fundraisers at the tavern from quiz nights, to dinners Room, a Bottle Store and nine Motel and dancing. Units. It’s never a dull moment at the Woody and you never know who is going In ten years, Rowan and his family to walk through the door. With all its busyness Rowan still has to time have built the business up, working to spend with his wife and two girls, is an active member of the Renwick on providing a family-friendly Volunteer Brigade, Freemasons and many more organisations including environment. Being Finalist in the the local Motor Cross Club. Hospitality New Zealand Awards for the ‘Best Country Pub’ in 2017. If you are driving by, call in for a pint and chat with Rowan. Obituaries It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the following Old Boys.

Zak Patterson 2017-2018 Zak was a welcome addition to the Rathkeale community when he arrived from Stratford High School in 2017. With a raft of skills and an endearing personality that has been described as personality plus, he quickly integrated himself into the life of the College. Within a short time, his sporting prowess was to the fore and he was a valued member of the 2018 1st XV where he was positioned as prop.

Zak possessed remarkable IT skills, having started his own business, that were to lead him into an IT career beyond school. At the time of his death, this career had already made a very promising start.

Also a lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed time spent in the hills and was a keen hunter. He was actively involved with the Stratford Mountain Club on Mt Taranaki.

Zak was the beloved son of Jo and Ian, and much loved big brother to Hannah, Cooper and Keith. His many friends within the school community were stunned by his tragic death in September 2019, the year after he left school. A large contingent of Old Boys, parents and students travelled to Stratford for his funeral.

Rich Smyth Stephen Briggs 1981-1984 1965-1968 Richard John Morris Smyth died unexpectedly on Stephen joined Rathkeale in the second year of 6th December 2019 at the young age of 52. From the College’s existence and was in the Dayboys’ Wellington, Richard spent his secondary school Winchester House and a member of the 1st XV. years at Rathkeale, where he was a boarder in Cranleigh House. He then studied at Victoria Stephen’s widow, Judy, reports that he was University and went on to working in marketing immensely proud of his old school and of the and managing a number of businesses, including attributes which his time at Rathkeale gave a pharmacy he and his wife Maryanne owned in him. She credits his business success and his Hawkes Bay. involvement in the wider community to the time spent at the school and to the life lessons learnt A talented craftsman, he was also involved in there. building a couple of their own homes in Havelock North. Richard, Maryanne and their son Oscar had In recent years Steve has operated Steve’s only just recently moved into their latest home, a Wholefoods in Palmerston North, a free range beautiful house on Te Mata Peak that Richard was butchery and delicatessen business. just finishing off. Stephen passed away on August 16 and is Richard was an active man, a keen cyclist and survived by his wife, four children and six loved working with wood. He and Maryanne grandchildren. had recently spent a month cycling around Sri Lanka before Richard passed away. A wonderful celebration of his life was held in Havelock North.